May 20, 2014

I love Mondays when the scale starts off the week putting a BIG smile on  my face....it said "306" today, a full 10 lbs less than just five days ago. Of course, my rational mind says that's not "real" weight loss, a lot of it is water, etc. but it definitely puts a shot of energy into the dieting efforts to see immediate success. And at least I know that sticking to something 100% actually works.....and the eggs this morning almost tasted GOOD....I have to confess, I don't really like eggs but the breakfast choices in phase one are pretty limited so it's eggs for the duration.

I am so lucky not to have to worry about fat....the gastric bypass surgery I had was a less common form called "bileopancreatic diversion"....unlike the more common "Roux en Y"....my surgery is more extreme and results in the enzymes necessary to digest fat being diverted from the intestines til the very end of the digestive process....which means that I only digest a small amount of the fat I eat. Since I don't absorb fat calories, I have very low cholesterol, my total is only about 70 which is where it's been for over 10 years....so, unlike regular South Beach Dieters, I am eating full fat cheese, regular eggs instead of egg substitutes, and full fat salad dressings. I know it's counter intuitive to dieters to be eating all the full fat stuff but my surgically altered intestines digest all the sugar and carbs I eat and only a small portion of the fat...so I'm better off eating full fat foods. The lower fat alternatives have more carbs and sugar so those are actually worse for me....

I also feel fortunate that I like vegetables and enjoy all the healthy foods that I'm supposed to eat. It would be so hard to diet if one didn't like veges...and being single/living alone, I have a great advantage in keeping the house "safe" with healthy foods.....of course, it's also hard being alone to not have support and encouragement but I can find support groups if I need that....the buck definitely stops here, food only gets in my house if I bring it in!!

I talked to friend Connie, also a weight loss surgery buddy.....she and Lulu have lost more than I have and so they are very supportive and encouraging. They are ready to go on bike rides with me when I get a bike and get into shape good enough to go on an outing with them...something to look forward to...

I hope to start posting a food diary or at least some fun recipes....my sister (thanks, Pam) gave me a great sounding recipe for broccoli soup that has all phase one ingredients so I'll be making that tonight, and if it's good will post the recipe.Yesterday, I made some yummy chicken salad with celery and sliced almonds. I seasoned it with dill which is how it was served at a restaurant I used to go to. They ate it on a HUGE salad made with a bunch of gourmet greens....yum...

Now I won't be weighing til next Monday. I am so happy with how it went this first five days....if I stay on phase one 10 days, I'm halfway through....yeah, a few days closer to not eating eggs in the morning....